I call for simplifying the procedures. As a result, our farmers and fishermen can obtain the fundsJakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo has called on his ranks to facilitate access to working capital stimulus for farmers and fishermen.
Widodo delivered the statement during a limited meeting held through a virtual conference from the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Thursday.
"I call for simplifying the procedures. As a result, our farmers and fishermen can obtain the funds," President Widodo stated in Jakarta on Thursday.
The head of state stressed that providing working capital stimulus was crucial for agriculture, marine, and fisheries businesses.
The stimulus will be distributed through expansion of the micro credit program for farmers and fishermen having a bank account. However, those without a bank account will receive the stimulus through the Prosperous Family Economic Development (Mekaar) Program and other schemes, the president remarked.
The Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) Ministry had earlier distributed 136 tons of fish feed during the period from March to May this year to fish farmers in 24 Indonesian cities to boost fish production amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We continue to distribute fish feed as one of the most important components of the aquaculture process. The COVID-19 outbreak will not dampen our spirit to produce fish feed while always prioritizing standard safety guidelines," Slamet Soebjakto, the director general of aquaculture at the KKP, noted in a statement.
Soebjakto expounded that the distribution was part of the government's stimulus, as fish farmers in several regions had to extend the fish cultivation process in the wake of decreased selling while it was also an endeavor to ensure continued availability of fish products.
The feed is produced by the technical implementation unit of KKP's Directorate General of Aquaculture that refers to the Indonesian National Standard, so it meets the quality requirements. During this year, it has planned to allocate some 1,050 tons of fish feed in total.
On the other hand, the KKP encourages fish farmers to also self-produce fish feed, through a program of Gerpari, as in the near future, the ministry will provide 60 packages of machine and raw materials for small-scale farmers in 25 provinces.
Soebjakto believes that this aid will make some difference to boost the farmers' income since it lowers production costs.
"Under such circumstances arising from the outbreak, we are working on providing service and support to the community, particularly fish farmers, so that we get through this together," Soebjakto affirmed.
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Translator: Rangga Pandu, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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